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Rang de Basant: MMA Targets Lahore

On 12 March 2006, Lahore defied the ban on kite flying. More than 900 including women and children were arrested; 500 were injured in flying kites and the traditional aerial firing. While one has died, many others who have been admitted to hospital in critical condition. The same day, the government of Punjab also passed Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance 2006 on secular grounds.

The MMA was against this colourful event, which is a part of Lahore's history and culture. The sport, highlight of the Basant festival, is celebrated all over Punjab, especially in Lahore. Why should the mullahs object to a sport, which is part of its history, tradition and culture? More importantly, why did the 'enlightened moderates' cave in? The ordinance of 12 March and the earlier decision to ban the annual kite flying championship was clearly to designed appease the MMA. Whether the kite flying or the Marathon (in January 2006) or protest against the Danish cartoons (in February 2006), the MMA seems to be following a specific strategy vis-a-vis Lahore.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had banned kite flying, but relaxed it for two weeks from February 26, due to public pressure. Its order was limited-only banning kite flying, out of secular concerns. Every year, Lahore alone witnesses ten to twenty deaths, due to either the enthusiasts fall from roof tops or to threads laced with chemicals and metals, cut their throats. Also the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) faces losses, as these threads trip electric wires. Before the ban, , there used to be 2000 power tripping every day, when the frenzy reach its height in Lahore and its surroundings alone. On 11 March 2006 alone there were 2100 incidents when the ban was relaxed and 2400 on the following day, when the ban was in place.

The MMA opposes this event for narrow political reasons, but also on religious grounds - it is construed as un-Islamic. The fact that during the festival multinational food and cola corporations including Pepsi, Coke, McDonalds and Pizza Hut have special offers infuriated the Right further. The roof-top bashes are interpreted as showing off by the wealthy. From ebing un-Islamic, flying kites are now interpreted as anti-Islamic promoted by the West.

Can Basant be attributed to any particular religion in the Indian subcontinent? It is a part of its history and a secular festival marking the arrival of Spring and no less religious connotations. Ever since the Sufi saint Khwaja Muiniddin Chisti and his disciple Amir Khusrau encouraged Basant, their followers have been celebrating it for the last 700 years.

The MMA's opposition to the kite festival has political reasons, viz to expand its influence in Punjab, especially Lahore, its cultural capital. The fact that the MMA chose Lahore instead of Karachi to oppose the Danish cartoons is part of its political strategy to find some space in Punjab, especially Lahore. The rioting in Lahore on 14 February 2006 (Was it a coincidence that the protests were organized on Valentine's day?) was clearly planned and orchestrated by the MMA. Earlier, it had opposed the Lahore Marathon again for political purposes but citing religious reasons as being obscene and un-Islamic and a 'race of nudity'.

The same Rightist forces, however would not attempt opposing cricket; although, the game is not "Islamic" and was introduced by the West. Except, Pakistan and Bangladesh, none of the other Islamic countries play cricket. The moment MMA attempts such a policy, the cricket crazy country would turn hostile and it would lose support. Outside Lahore, there would not be much opposition to MMA's Basant or Marathon stand, hence it can oppose these secular events and may gain politically in the process.

The State failed on two counts - secular and political. For the last several years, those who have been advocating "safe basant" have emphasized the non-use of dangerous materials, avoiding the use of roof tops and insisted on a special area being reserved outside Lahore for flying kites. Both the provincial and federal governments have failed to take any positive steps to address this issue. Worse, they caved in to the MMA's pressure as they feared opening another front against the Right. The cancellation of the Kite Flying Competition, an international event, was out of fear - more imaginary that real - of the MMA.

Celebrating Basant as an international festival, in fact could have provided credibility to Musharraf's enlightened moderation. When the regime is under increasing international criticism, Musharraf could have made a 'colourful' statement, by inviting other countries to participate. In the past, many countries from Europe have sent teams to take part in the kite flying festival. The fact that many foreigners reach Lahore to take part of the festival is a clear statement of the international significance. Basant undoubtedly is one of the most important tourist attractions of Lahore.

The MMA has clearly won one more round in Lahore. It has a clear political strategy in targeting a culturally rich cosmopolitan city and the cultural capital of Punjab.